A trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World can be so many things: a family vacation, couples’ getaway, girls’ weekend, a school performing arts trip, or a chance to apply learning in real ways through immersive experiences. Recently my tween and I were invited to Walt Disney World to experience Disney Youth Programs and get the opportunity to use Disney Parks as our classroom which was a dream come true for me as a former teacher and current parent.
I love using travel as a way to educate my kids beyond the walls of their classroom by integrating learning into our adventures. Last summer’s global adventure to Thailand and Vietnam was filled with cultural experiences, history, and lessons on geography. Earlier this spring, my husband and I experienced some serious g-forces while riding roller coasters.
We took the opportunity to talk about physics while waiting to ride the same ride a second time and when we got off, our tween and teen had a much better understanding of the concept and knew what g-forces felt like. Whether I’m building up background knowledge to make experiences more meaningful or pointing out how something learned in the classroom looks in real life, I know that the most meaningful learning comes from hands-on experiences.
Kids learn best by doing and better understand principles discussed in a classroom come to life when experienced in the real world and that’s exactly what Disney does through Disney Youth Programs.
About Disney Youth Programs
Geared towards elementary, middle/junior high, high school, and home-schooled students, Disney Youth Programs at Walt Disney World in Florida and California’s Disneyland provide unique hands-on experiences where Disney Parks become your classroom. Disney Youth Programs include Disney Youth Education Series (YES) and Disney Performing Arts (DPA). Offered year-round, 7 days a week, these programs offer immersive and meaningful learning experiences for kids of all ages.
Disney Youth Education Series debuted at Walt Disney World Resort in 1979 with programs art, energy, entertainment and nature. Today there are 21 hands-on learning adventures offered at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World that engage and immerse participants in subjects like leadership, arts & humanities, applied sciences, and environmental studies.
Each program showcases the value of teamwork, motivate students to learn and discover, and encourage students to reach their individual potential.
Disney Performing Arts turns world-famous parks and resorts into the grandest stages for kids from around the world through vocal, theater, dance, and instrumental programs that allow them to showcase their talents in front of thousands of Disney Parks guests. Programs include various workshops, performances and festivals that allow students to exhibit and develop their talent.
Students may lead a Disney parade down Main Street at Magic Kingdom, record their own vocal selection of a beloved Disney film, or they can gain a greater understanding about the audition and casting process from a Disney show director.
Over the course of the next week, I’ll be giving you an inside look at Disney Youth Education Series and Disney Performing Arts we experienced at Walt Disney World. If these already sound like a great fit for kids you know and you can’t wait for my next couple of posts to learn more, visit DisneyYouth.com and these Disney Youth Programs links:
- Disney Youth Programs Facebook page
- Disney Youth Programs on LinkedIn
- Sign up for their e-newsletter
I was invited to Walt Disney World as a guest of Disney Youth Programs who paid for my travel, accommodations, and provided additional items as part of my experience. I personally paid my son’s plane fare so he could join me. All opinions are my own and based on personal experience. No additional compensation was received. Photos courtesy of Walt Disney World.
